From the small mining town of Sudbury, Ontario to the global success of “Jeopardy!”, how ambition can lead to great things no matter where you are from!Alex Trebek’s Background
Alex Trebek was born on July 22nd, 1940 as Giorgi Suka-Alex Trebek in the small mining town of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He left the small town to received a degree in philosophy from the University of Ottawa.
Alex Trebek’s Canadian Television Persona
Alex Trebek began a career on television as a newscaster for the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company) reporting on everything under the sun. In 1964, at the age of 24, he hosted several high school quiz shows under the “Reach for the Top” moniker but his first televised quiz show for Canadian television was called “Jackpot!”.
Alex Trebek’s American Television Persona
Pursuing opportunities when they came, he went to the United States in 1973 to become a host for the NBC quiz show “The Wizard of Odds”. At that time, and still true to this day, many Canadians feel the need to enter the American mainstream media in order to further their career. In 1974 he hosted the game show “High Rollers” and in 1982 he hosted “Starcade”, “Battlestars” and “Pitfal” but his huge breakthrough came when he was selected to become the host of a new show called “Jeopardy!”. He later stated that he doubted the shows success beyond the first few seasons but he needed the money, neither did he predict that it would have had such a huge impact on education as it has.
Alex Trebek’s Global Television Persona
He began hosting “Jeopardy!” in 1982 and has been the only host for that show from then on. Alex Trebek didn’t rest with the success of “Jeopardy!”, he also went on to host two other shows, the first “Classic Concentration” and the other “To Tell the Truth”, both of which where a great success in addition to a few stints on the side. Being the host for “Jeopardy!” lead to him becoming a global television icon through syndication around the world. The fact that his name is now synonymous with the word “Jeopardy!” is a testament to his great success as a host and his abilities to win over a crowd. He also became a regular on the cameo circuit, showing up in a host of movies and television shows such as “The X-Files”, “Family Guy”, “Cheers” and even the teenage drama “Beverly Hills 90210”.
Alex Trebek on “Jeopardy!”
Alex Trebek’s Achievements
He has received a number of awards, from the “Outstanding Game Show Host” Emmy Award to a star on both Canada’s and Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame”. Alex Trebek also hosted a number of charity events and still to this day hosts many events for the National Geographic Society including the annual spelling bee. He is also an active spokesperson for the World Vision Inc., running in many of their commercials as both a host and member. Alex Trebek is also a spokesperson for the USO (United Service Organization) which helps soldiers and other military personnel to burn of some steam through recreation and counseling.
Trivia
Alex Trebek has a deep passion for breeding and racing thoroughbred horses, owning his own 700 acre ranch. He is also an accomplished wine aficionado, owning his own vineyards called “Creston Vineyards”. In 2001 he shaved his mustache that was part of his persona for over 30 years.
The Bottom Line
If he can achieve amazing success coming from a small mining town, there is no reason that you can’t too!
Buzvia: Alex Trebek has heart attack, Wikipedia, National Geographic Society, World Vision, Who Is Alex Trebek?, United Service Organization
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